QuestionJune 6, 2025

If a wave function is given in terms of orthonormal wave functions as vert psi rangle =(1)/(sqrt (5))vert psi _(1)rangle +sqrt ((3)/(5))vert psi _(2)rangle +Avert psi _(3)rangle Then what must be true about A? (1)/(sqrt (5)) (1)/(2) There is not enough information to determine A. (1)/(5)

If a wave function is given in terms of orthonormal wave functions as vert psi rangle =(1)/(sqrt (5))vert psi _(1)rangle +sqrt ((3)/(5))vert psi _(2)rangle +Avert psi _(3)rangle Then what must be true about A? (1)/(sqrt (5)) (1)/(2) There is not enough information to determine A. (1)/(5)
If a wave function is given in terms of orthonormal wave functions as
vert psi rangle =(1)/(sqrt (5))vert psi _(1)rangle +sqrt ((3)/(5))vert psi _(2)rangle +Avert psi _(3)rangle 
Then what must be true about A?
(1)/(sqrt (5))
(1)/(2)
There is not enough information to determine A.
(1)/(5)

Solution
4.6(299 votes)

Answer

\frac {1}{\sqrt {5}} Explanation 1. Apply normalization condition The wave function must be normalized, meaning \langle \psi \vert \psi \rangle = 1. For orthonormal wave functions, this implies \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}\right)^2 + \left(\sqrt{\frac{3}{5}}\right)^2 + |A|^2 = 1. 2. Calculate known terms Calculate \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{5} and \left(\sqrt{\frac{3}{5}}\right)^2 = \frac{3}{5}. 3. Solve for |A|^2 Substitute the values into the equation: \frac{1}{5} + \frac{3}{5} + |A|^2 = 1. Simplify to find |A|^2 = 1 - \frac{4}{5} = \frac{1}{5}. 4. Determine A Since |A|^2 = \frac{1}{5}, A can be either \frac{1}{\sqrt{5}} or -\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}.

Explanation

1. Apply normalization condition<br /> The wave function must be normalized, meaning $\langle \psi \vert \psi \rangle = 1$. For orthonormal wave functions, this implies $\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}\right)^2 + \left(\sqrt{\frac{3}{5}}\right)^2 + |A|^2 = 1$.<br />2. Calculate known terms<br /> Calculate $\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{5}$ and $\left(\sqrt{\frac{3}{5}}\right)^2 = \frac{3}{5}$.<br />3. Solve for $|A|^2$<br /> Substitute the values into the equation: $\frac{1}{5} + \frac{3}{5} + |A|^2 = 1$. Simplify to find $|A|^2 = 1 - \frac{4}{5} = \frac{1}{5}$.<br />4. Determine $A$<br /> Since $|A|^2 = \frac{1}{5}$, $A$ can be either $\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}$ or $-\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}$.
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